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Filipijnen: wat je moet weten voor vertrek

Het belangrijkste

  • Register on the free eTravel system (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours before arrival; paper arrival cards are gone.
  • Most Western passports and Russia get 30 days visa-free; you need a return/onward ticket within that period or airlines may refuse boarding.
  • Indian citizens get 14 days visa-free (30 days if holding a valid US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia, Canada or Singapore visa).
  • Drug offences are punished extremely harshly; vaping is banned in most public places.
  • Typhoon season (Jun–Nov) regularly cancels ferries and domestic flights—keep buffer days.

Inreis en visa

Under Executive Order 408 about 157 nationalities get 30 days visa-free, extendable at the Bureau of Immigration. Indian and (temporarily) Chinese citizens have shorter conditional visa-free stays; others need a visa or e-Visa. Everyone must complete the eTravel registration. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond the stay and you need a confirmed onward/return ticket.

Online aankomstformulieren en vergunningen

Geldigheid paspoort: At least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

Aan de grens kan worden gevraagd naar

  • Show the eTravel QR code and a confirmed onward/return ticket.
  • Officers may ask for hotel booking and proof of funds.
  • Extensions beyond 30 days are done at Bureau of Immigration offices (fees apply).

Douane

  • Declare foreign currency over USD 10,000 or Philippine pesos over PHP 50,000.
  • Firearms, drugs, and counterfeit goods are prohibited.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: etravel.gov.ph ↗, dfa.gov.ph ↗, en.wikipedia.org ↗, immigration.gov.ph ↗, evisa.gov.ph ↗, etravel.gov.ph ↗

Geld

Contant en pinnen zijn allebei gangbaar. Kaarten vooral in steden en toeristische plaatsen.

Betaalnetwerken: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, UnionPay

Apple Pay — werkt op sommige plekken · Google Pay — werkt op sommige plekken

Waar je geld wisselt

  • Licensed money changers in big malls (SM, Ayala, Robinsons) have good rates
  • Bring clean USD notes; larger notes get better rates

Waar je beter niet wisselt

  • Airport counters for large amounts
  • Hotels
  • Street changers on islands (short-changing scams)

Geldautomaten: Most local ATMs charge foreign cards about PHP 250 per withdrawal with limits of PHP 10,000–20,000; ATMs on small islands (e.g. El Nido, Siargao) often run out of cash—carry enough.

Fooi: Service charge (often 10%) is common in restaurants; if not included, 5–10% is appreciated. Small tips for drivers, porters and boat crews are customary.

  • Apple Pay is officially supported; contactless works in malls, chains and hotels in cities. Islands and small businesses are cash-based; GCash/Maya dominate locally.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard cards do not work abroad; bring cash or a card issued elsewhere.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: support.apple.com ↗, bsp.gov.ph ↗, usa.visa.com ↗, mastercard.com ↗

Regels en verboden

Verboden

  • Drugs: very severe penalties including life imprisonment; aggressive enforcement.
  • Smoking and vaping banned in enclosed public places and public transport (fines; local ordinances can be stricter).
  • Taking shells, coral or sand from beaches and marine parks is illegal.
  • Drones need CAAP registration/permits; banned in some protected areas.
  • Firearms and ammunition: never carry bullets (even souvenirs) through airports.

Wetten die reizigers onbewust overtreden

  • Some areas of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago are under government travel warnings due to terrorism and kidnap risk.
  • Liquor bans apply around elections.
  • Overstaying is fined and can lead to blacklisting.
  • Carry ID; police checkpoints are common.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Cultuur en kleding

Religie: Roman Catholic about 79%, other Christian about 9%, Islam about 6% (mainly Mindanao).

Kleding: Casual is fine; in churches and mosques cover shoulders and knees. Beachwear only at the beach.

Etiquette

  • Use 'po' and 'opo' for politeness with elders; English is widely spoken.
  • Avoid public confrontation; Filipinos value smooth relations (pakikisama).
  • Respect the 'Filipino time' pace but be on time for formal events.
  • Pointing with lips is common locally—don't take offence.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: psa.gov.ph ↗, philippines.travel ↗, psa.gov.ph ↗

Klimaat

Tropical. Dry season Dec–May (cool and dry Dec–Feb, hot Mar–May); wet season Jun–Nov with typhoons, most often Jul–Oct in Luzon and the Visayas. Mindanao is less affected by typhoons.

Per maand
  • januari: Dry and pleasant; peak season
  • februari: Dry; good everywhere
  • maart: Dry, warming; ideal beaches
  • april: Hot and dry; Holy Week crowds
  • mei: Hottest; still mostly dry
  • juni: Rains start; first typhoons
  • juli: Wet; typhoon risk
  • augustus: Wettest; typhoon risk high
  • september: Wet; typhoon risk
  • oktober: Typhoon risk continues
  • november: Rains easing; late typhoons possible
  • december: Dry season starts; festive season

Beste seizoen: December to May; January–April for island hopping.

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: pagasa.dost.gov.ph ↗, en.wikipedia.org ↗, pagasa.dost.gov.ph ↗

Wat mee te nemen

  • Plug adapter (types A, B, C; 220V)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, rash guard
  • Dry bag for island-hopping boats
  • Insect repellent (dengue)
  • Rain jacket (Jun–Nov)
  • Enough cash for remote islands
  • Motion-sickness tablets for ferries

Niet meenemen / invoer verboden

  • Bullets or ammunition (even souvenirs)
  • Drugs, including CBD products
  • Shells or coral as souvenirs (illegal to take)

Praktisch

Stopcontacten: Types A, B, C; 220V 60Hz

Water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled or refill stations.

Verkeer: rechts rijden

Mobiel en eSIM: Globe and Smart prepaid SIMs at airports (registration with passport required); eSIMs widely available. Coverage patchy on remote islands.

Apps: Grab, Angkas, GCash, Maya, Google Maps

Gezondheid: Dengue is common; use repellent. Consider hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies vaccines; Japanese encephalitis for rural stays. Leptospirosis risk after floods.

Verzekering: Not required for visa-free entry; recommended with evacuation cover (remote islands, diving).

Noodnummers: Emergency 911

Gecontroleerd op 29 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, wwwnc.cdc.gov ↗, globe.com.ph ↗

Inreisregels veranderen. Controleer vóór de reis de website van de ambassade of immigratiedienst van het land.